Rangers news: Steven Gerrard backed to be world class boss because of Liverpool role
JOE COLE has backed Steven Gerrard to emulate the likes of Johan Cruyff and Franz Beckenbauer by making the transition from world-class player to world-class manager.
Gerrard took over Scottish giants Rangers in the summer - his first ever role as a senior boss - and has adapted well by propelling the club back into genuine title contenders.
And Cole said he always knew Gerrard could make the step up because of the responsibilities he took on as captain of boyhood club Liverpool when he was a player.
“I knew he'd be good at it. A lot of people were worried when he took the job,” Cole told the Scottish Sun.
“It's such a massive job for your first one but I had no doubt in him. I think he's a natural born leader.
“Playing and captaining Liverpool is as good an apprenticeship as you can have. When you become a manager all eyes are on you.
“But playing for Liverpool with the pressure that brings and having to carry the club for many years alongside a few other senior players means I'm not surprised he's so well acquitted to management.
Steven Gerrard took his first managerial role when he was appointed Rangers boss in the summer (Image: GETTY)
“Recently we've had so many great managers who haven't been top players. But there have been great players who have become great managers.
“There are your Cruyffs and your Beckenbauers, guys like that.
“Sometimes a playing career is a currency that can get scoffed at a bit.
“Steven is showing he's got all that knowledge from a great playing career and he's taken that into management.”
Joe Cole has backed Gerrard to go on and become a world-class manager (Image: GETTY)
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Gerrard and Cole played together for Liverpool and England (Image: GETTY)
Cole’s career took him to many places including the USA and France but he never got the chance to play in Scotland.
And the now-retired 37-year-old admits he would have loved the chance to play in Glasgow.
“We played a friendly for Chelsea up there and it was a great place to play,” Cole added.
“Rangersis a club I'd have loved to have played for. Gazza was myfavouriteplayer. I remember watching all his games.
“A move there for me never quite happened but the club holds a special place in my heart because I was a massive Gazza fan.”